STUNNED villagers have vowed to step up their campaign against a wind farm developer who was this week given the green light to erect a 60 metre mast near a beauty spot.

Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council rejected an application for an anometer which measures wind speed but their recommendation was overturned by planning inspector Mark Dakeyne after applicant Banks Developments appealed.

Upholding the appeal, Mr Dakeyne explained: “I conclude that the harm that I have identified in relation to character and appearance is outweighed by the benefits of the proposal as part of a renewable energy project notwithstanding the large number of objections to the proposal.”

Campaign group Stop Bickerton Wind Turbines - who raised a 226 name petition, approximately 80% of residents living near the proposed site - believe an application for a five wind turbine farm is now inevitable.

A special report on the controversy will appear in the Country edition of Friday’s Chronicle.